The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill

Hazel Kaplansky and new student Samuel Butler investigate rumors that a Russian spy has infiltrated their small Vermont town, amidst the fervor of Cold War era McCarthyism, but more is revealed than they could ever have imagined.

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I read this with my daughter and wasn't crazy about it. The themes are fairly adult (McCarthyism, shame of unwed mothers in the 50s). Also, although the book is supposed to be set in the 50s, a lot of the dialog sounds fairly modern.

"In the autumn of 1953, the poky town of Maple Hill, Vermont is rocked by rumours of a Russian spy in their midst, and brainy fifth-grade misfit Hazel decides that she's just the sleuth to investigate. With the help of Samuel, the smart (but odd) new kid in town, Hazel does some spying of her own, starting with the suspicious new gravedigger, Mr. Jones. Can Hazel uncover the truth, or will her overactive imagination lead her astray? Find out in this vivid historical mystery from the author of The Water Castle. Readers who relate to prickly, independent Hazel should be sure to check out Louise Fitzhugh's classic Harriet the Spy." Kids' Books August 2014 newsletter http://www.libraryaware.com/996/NewsletterIssues/ViewIssue/766781c6-ec35-455c-874a-f0734fc707e8?postId=2247e264-c3ca-48d3-91cf-3040588e8797